Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 6
Geography's present
and future
Early explorers, mapmakers, and regional geographers from the
last century, and even quantitative and Marxist geographers of
the late 20th century, would fi nd much that was unfamiliar in the
modern practice of geography. Certainly, many core values remain
but the manner of their study would bemuse, and some of the
new additions to human geography in particular would defy, their
imaginations. In many ways, of course, that is to be expected. All
disciplines move forward in time and change in the process.
Having reviewed the ongoing trends, some of the newest
directions that geography is taking can be considered, its
present state can be reviewed, and its future contemplated.
This concluding chapter has two parts. The fi rst part sets out
some fairly detailed examples of innovative modern research in
geography, which emphasizes the forward momentum. In the
second part, in a 'manifesto for future geography', we seek answers
to two main questions: (1) where does geography stand now as
a unifi ed discipline; and (2) can that unity survive in the face of
increasing diversifi cation and continuing change?
Some modern faces of geography
Geography has many modern faces, some of them surprising
and unexpected. This fi nal chapter begins with vignettes that
